Overview

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Quantitative financial methods are one of the fastest growing areas of the present day banking and corporate environments. The solution by Black, Scholes and Merton of the option pricing problem set off a revolution in finance resulting in the introduction of sophisticated mathematical techniques in the financial markets and corporate planning.

To understand, apply and develop these sophisticated methods requires a good understanding of both advanced mathematics and advanced financial theory. By combining the financial expertise in the University of Exeter Business School with the College's expertise in mathematics, this intensive MSc programme, available over 9 or 12 months, will prepare you for careers in areas such as international banking or international business. For those with a strong mathematical background, and a wish to pursue a finance career, this programme is the ideal introduction to this exciting field.

Programme structure

The taught element of the programme takes place between October and May and is arranged into two 12-week teaching semesters. The programme splits into three streams and you must choose one to follow. There are compulsory modules for each stream as follows:

Stream 1

12-month pathway within the College

Research Methodology

Advanced Mathematics Project

Stream 2

9-month pathway within the Business School

Investment Analysis I

Investment Analysis II

Financial Modelling

Investment Analysis Projects

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Learning and teaching

Teaching is by lectures, example classes, computer classes, tutorials, set work, project work, reading and self-study. The exact form and number of the lectures and tutorials varies from module to module and is chosen according to the material to be covered.

You will use the computer programming language Matlab and online financial databases such as Bloomberg and Datastream.

You will be allocated a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies, along with support and mentoring from graduates who are now placed in industry. There is also a Postgraduate Tutor available to help with further guidance and advice.

A research- and practice-led culture

We believe every student benefits from being taught by experts active in research and practice. You will discuss the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in seminars and in the field and you will become actively involved in a research project yourself. All our academic staff are active in internationally-recognised scientific research across a wide range of topics. You will also be taught by leading industry practitioners.

Careers

The programme prepares you for a career in financial modelling within financial institutions themselves and within other sectors. It builds upon the success of Exeter’s well-established range of Masters programmes in Finance and related areas, many of whose graduates now hold senior positions in areas such as corporate financial strategy, financial planning, treasury and risk management and international portfolio management.

With the strong links between the College and the Met Office, the course also prepares you for career opportunities within reinsurance and credit risk management, especially in the development of financial models that rely on weather/climate systems.

Entry requirements 2015

Normally a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a mathematics, science or engineering subject, with significant mathematics content.

Requirements for international students

If you are an international student, please visit our international equivalency pages to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees per year 2015/16

UK/EU: £12,300 full-time

International: £19,950 full-time

Fee information

Fees can normally be paid by two termly instalments and may be paid online. You will also be required to pay a tuition fee deposit to secure your offer of a place, unless you qualify for exemption. For further information about paying fees see our Student Fees pages.